News from the Winterbournes

Village Link

Winter 2019 No 122

Winterbourne Post Office closes its door for the last time. (Drawing taken from the Women’s Institute scrap book)

1 Winterbourne Parish Council

Councillor Dr Charles Penn (Chairman) Councillor Maureen Atkinson (Vice-Chairperson)

Councillor Dr Peter Biggins Councillor Charlie Bruce-White Councillor Adrian Burrows Councillor Neil Grace Councillor Roy Judd Councillor Michael Young

Unitary Councillor Mike Hewitt

Any Parish related inquiries should be made in writing to the Parish Clerk in the first instance which will then be brought to the attention of the Parish Council.

Melanie Thomas, Parish Clerk, Windrush, Kings Paddock, Winterslow, SP5 1RZ.

Telephone: 01980 863802 Email: [email protected] Web site: http://www.winterbourneparishcouncil.com/

2 Village Link

A magazine produced by the Parish Council three times annually providing news, information and items of interest for the Winter- bournes.

Delivery helpers Heather and George Shepherd, Sue Davis, Jenny Lloyd, Nikki Palmer, Sue & Don McIntyre, Maureen Homer, Charles Penn, Ian Berry- Bowers, Pam Newton, Ann Howell, Trevor Lewis, Margaret & Simon Ward, Neil Grace, Carol Biggins, Rosemary Bolwell, Isobel Rider.

Deadlines for receipt of items for publication by the editor are: 14th March 2020 25th July 2020 14tth November 2020 Items that miss the deadline date are unlikely to be included. Whilst it would be preferable for items to be emailed, this is in no way compulsory and handwritten articles are also welcome. Email: [email protected] From the editor: The dominant news in this issue is of course the closure of our Post Of- fice and Store. This has been a feature of our community in one form or another for a very long time, as well described by the contribution to this issue from the Bourne Valley Historical Society. We will miss the convenience of post office services, of the shop and the other services it offered, as well as a social and information “hub”. As I put the finishing

3 touches to this issue we have news of an offer to provide a mobile post office service in the new year. This would be a most welcome life-line for many, and (hopefully) further details will be publicised in due course. In the meantime this issue contains details of alternatives for some of the services we will now be losing, and we have tried to ensure compre- hensive coverage of the many societies, groups and activities that take place in our community and which provide opportunities for activity (body and mind), social interaction and support.

Contents

Winterbourne Parish Council 2 Contact Numbers for Wiltshire Council (South) 6 Parish Council 7 Chairman's Report 7 Closure of Winterbourne stores & Post Office: Alternative Options 8 Winerbourne Speed watch 10 Jumble Sales 2020 12 Glebe Hall Management Committee 12 Winterbourne Glebe Hall Prices for Hiring 2020 15 Amesbury Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team 16 Volunteering 18 Bourne Valley Link Scheme 18 Interests and Activities 20 Bourne Valley Historical Society 20 Newbourne Players 25 Winterbourne Walkers 27 Coffee Club 27 Porton Flower Arranging Club 27 Bourne Valley Horticultural Society and Gardening Club 28 Bourne Valley Singers 30 Winterbourne Cricket Club 31 Club Friday 32

Churches 33 Bourne Valley Methodist Church 33 Anglican Parish News 34 Countryside Matters 39 Walking the Walk 39 Young Winterbourne 41 Bourne Valley Explorer Scout, Scout, Cubs and Beaver Groups 41 1st Winterbourne Rainbows 45 1st Winterbourne Brownies 48 2nd Winterbourne Brownies 49 Winterbourne Earls Church of England School 52 Welcome Pop In 55 Forthcoming Events 56 Advertisements 62 Advertising in the Village Link 72 Useful Telephone Numbers 73 Survey 74 Village Diary 75 Church Services in the Winterbournes this Christmas-tide 76

5 Contact Numbers for Wiltshire Council (South)

Main number 0300 456 0100 Mincom for hard of hearing 01225 712500 Automated payments (24 hours) 0300 456 0119 Blue badges 01225 713002 Bus passes (Over 60s and disabled) 01225 713004 Council tax benefit and housing benefit 01722 434483 Council tax enquiries 01722 434222 Children’s Services 01722 438165 General enquiries 01722 336272 Homes 4 Wiltshire 01380 734734 Household waste collections 01722 434319/434320 Housing general enquiries 01722 434280 Leisure centres: Amesbury Leisure Centre 01980 622173 Durrington Leisure Centre 01980 594594 Salisbury Five Rivers Leisure Centre 01722 339966 Tisbury Leisure Centre 01747 871141 Libraries 01225 713000 Parking 01722 434326 Planning 01722 434541 Pest Control 01722 434319/434320 Recycling/black boxes – Hills Waste 0845 6032085 Registration – Births, Deaths, Marriages 01225 713007 Roads and pavements 0300 456 0105 School admissions 01225 713010 School special educational needs 01225 718095 School transport 01225 713004 Social care – adults 0300 456 0111 Social care – children 01225 773500 Website www.wiltshire.gov.uk

6 Parish Council Chairman’s report We are not alone……… Since the last issue of the village link, our community has been shocked by the realisation that our post office and shop will close (on 21st and 30th November respectively) – indeed by the time you read this, they may well have gone. Both the shop and post office have provided much needed services to the Winterbournes for well over a century and will be badly missed. As we go to press, there is hope that we may have a mobile post office service in the new year—if this falls into place we will publicise the details as soon as they are available. Times change, and our own changing habits contribute to this: use of online services for banking, mail and shopping; the recent increase locally in the discount supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl; and new local outlets alongside housing developments (Bishopdown, Old Sarum). First I would like to record, on behalf of us all, our thanks and appreci- ation to Wendy and Trevor Merrifield and their predecessors David and Becky Baker for sustaining these services for as long as they have in the face of such pressures on the business. We are not alone in losing such essential local services. A recent DEFRA report titled “Statistical Digest of Rural England” shows that while the numbers of some businesses has increased over several years, retail businesses (* in the graph) have not. This fits with what is happening around us – as new shops arise, others close. A newspaper headline this month reads “Britain could lose its accolade for having the world's oldest post office after the couple in charge of the 307-year-old institution announced

7 they are retiring next year”. This report is of a post office in Scotland, but other communities in Wiltshire have already had to deal with such change, and we have been looking at how they have managed. As a parish council we are limited (by law) in what we can do. In particular there are clear limits on any financial commitments we might want to make. There are however things that we can do, and have been doing. Below you will find information on alternative services that are available nearby, are available on line, or can be delivered. We are planning to install new noticeboards so that local information is more accessible, and we have a short questionnaire available for you to record the support and help you may need in the absence of a local post office and shop (see page 74). Depending on your feedback we will do what we can do help, working with other local groups and organisations such as the Bourne Valley Link Scheme (BVLS), Community Transport and others. This may include arranging regular additional transport to Amesbury and Waitrose where a range of services are easily accessible, support for individuals through BVLS (see page 18), and assistance with on-line services such as banking and shopping. So please do return the questionnaire – let us know what we can do to help. You are not alone.

Charles Penn, Chairman, Winterbourne Parish Council

Closure of Winterbourne stores & Post Office: Alterna- tive Options Post Office closes 21st November, shop 30th November. Nearest Post Office services: Porton PO & Nisa Store 34 Winterslow Road, Porton, Salisbury SP4 0LF. 01980 610258. Shop and Post Office open 7am to 9pm Monday to Saturday & 7am to 8pm Sunday. ATM machine for cash withdrawal at £1 per transaction. Cashback up to £30 per day available with a purchase from the shop. Other nearby Post Offices with access to other shops and services: Sub Post Office Bishopdown, 35 Barrington Way, Salisbury. SP1 5JD.

8 Open 6am - 10pm ATM machine (2.9 miles) Sub Post Office Waitrose, Salisbury. Open 7.30am – 8.00pm Monday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm Sundays. ATM machine, Dry Cleaners (4.2 miles) Main Post Office Amesbury, 16 Salisbury Street. SP4 7HD. Open 9am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 1pm Saturday (5 miles) Newspaper Delivery Dave Rawkins: 01980 610465/07980 910962. Subscription vouchers accepted. Milk Round Milk & More: https://www.milkandmore.co.uk/we-deliver On line registration and ordering only. No telephone option. Also deliver groceries. Shop Deliveries Supermarket deliveries: Tesco/Waitrose/Ocado/ASDA/Sainsbury. Online ordering only. If you need assistance contact Maureen 01980 611311. Riverford Life on the Veg. 01803 227227 or at www.riverford.co.uk Telephone or online ordering. Fruit, vegetables and some groceries. Pre-cooked meals: Wiltshire Farm Foods. Delivery Wednesday and Friday mornings 01225 776793 or at www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com. Telephone or online ordering. Oakhouse Foods. Delivery Thursday afternoon 0333 370 2521 or at www.oakhousefoods.co.uk.Telephone or online ordering.

Online access Contact Maureen on 01980 611311 who may be able to source some help. Transport Bus route 66 Salisbury to Shipton Bellinger. www.salisburyreds.co.uk/ services/SQ/66 Bourne Valley Link Scheme Tel: 01980 611117. Subject to volunteer availability, will take clients shopping or collect shopping for them.

9 Salisbury Community Transport 01722 414566, for anyone holding a current bus pass. Current service to Waitrose on Thursday 9.15am and Friday 8.45am. Pre-booking required. May provide a regular service to Amesbury town centre if there is enough interest. A Hopper bus operates between Amesbury town centre and Amesbury Tesco every half hour, Monday to Saturday.

Winterbourne Speed Watch

What is it about? While walking through the Winterbournes many people comment on the cars that speed through the village. The existence of the Community Speed Watch (CSW) scheme helps monitor speeding throughout the area. All the information recorded is passed to the police. Community Speed Watch volunteers work closely with Community Po- licing Teams (CPTs), supported by the Special Constabulary Roads Po- licing Unit. Schemes only take place where there is an identified speeding issue and in our case it is the 30mph speed limit through the Win- terbournes. All volunteers are trained by Traffic Management Policing Officers to monitor traffic speed and instructed to comply with a code of practice. Traffic Police Officers do review local CSW data and undertake their own speed checks in the same area where they note consistent problems.

How does it Work? The trained CSW volunteers monitor vehicle speeds at various designated points in the Winterbournes. The police check all sites for safety and assess risks. The scheme can only be undertaken at these approved sites. CSW volunteers record the speed, registration numbers of vehicles ex- ceeding the local speed limit and the date/time of offence. This information is passed to the CSW Coordinator at Police HQ in Devizes. Po- lice send letters to registered keepers of the speeding vehicles, outlining the offence and warning drivers of the consequences of excessive speeds. If vehicles are found to be persistent offenders they are targeted

10 by the police, who consider issuing a ‘Fixed Penalty Notice’ or to insti- gate court proceedings. Where the recorded results show a persistent speed issue, the CSW Coordinator at police HQ may recommend to the Wiltshire and Swin- don Road Safety Partnership that additional investigation is undertaken and temporary speed indicator devices or similar variable message signs may be deployed periodically at the site. Where this shows a significant on-going problem Wiltshire Council’s highways department will assess whether further engineering or traffic management measures may be appropriate. Data also keeps the Winterbourne Parish Council updated on any issues that may arise from speeding vehicles.

What do we find? Over the time the scheme has been operating in the Winterbournes, the number of cars moving though the village ranges from 500-1200 per hour, depending on the time of day, day of the week and holiday periods. The offending rate ranges from 1 – 8% of cars per session which is usually an hour, with many cars reaching speeds of 45 mph+. It is not- ed that these offences range equally between gender and are not con- fined to any particular age group.

How to get involved We share the speed camera with a CSW team in Porton and exchange every fortnight. Depending on the weather and numbers of team members available, we try to cover all areas of the village that have been approved, at different times of the day. Currently, we are desperately in need of additional volunteers, in order that we can increase our activity and cover the different areas more regularly. If you are prepared to donate a few hours a week every fortnight, please contact the Clerk of the Winterbourne Parish Council: [email protected] or the current Winterbourne Speed Watch Team Coordinator on 07425166986.

Graham Lloyd Winterbourne Team Coordinator

11 Jumble Sales 2020 8th February - Jumble sale in aid of Salisbury Hospice 18th April - Jumble sale in aid of the Glebe Hall 5th September - Jumble sale in aid of Salisbury Hospice 14th November - Jumble sale in aid of the Glebe Hall

Glebe Hall Management Committee

Following the elation expressed in my last report, after being awarded our Hallmark 3 quality standard, the routine demands of running the village hall over the last few months have returned. In addition to general hall maintenance, many pieces of essential equipment, such as our industrial floor cleaner, dishwasher, gas cooker and water heater, have required expensive repairs or needed to be replaced. The discovery of broken windows in the ladies toilet (twice!), the notice board and the emergency door in the main hall, reflect some mindless behaviour in and around the hall that adds to our financial concerns. It is also the time of year that we ensure we conform to all our legal and health and safety responsibilities. These have included regulatory inspections of our fire, gas, electrical and security lighting equipment, that en- sures our community hall, is safe and fit for purpose. All the above activities come at a cost and illustrate the importance attached to our fundraising efforts. Without all the unexpected costs, the annual hall running bill, amounts to around £12,000 per year. Therefore income gained from grant applications, local fundraising initiatives and private hiring allows us to plan for hall improvements. The addition of fundraising events speeds up the process of completing projects that benefit all that use the hall. How- ever, the current committee struggles to attract much needed help from the wider community. We are reliant on long term and committed individuals with their loyal band of helpers who have supported fund raising pro- grammes over many years. We are continually indebted to several long term supporters and their helpers, i) Sue Davis and her helpers who organise and run jumble sales, who again on 2 November raised £491 ii) Anne French and her Bourne Valley Singers who presented us with a cheque for £350 after organising their wonderful Sunday afternoon tea with songs commemorat- ing the 75th anniversary of WW2 and iii) Chris and John Brown who organise the regular Moviola evenings that raise several hundred pounds over the

12 year. It was fantastic for the hall committee to support a new venture ‘Lego Fest’ organised by Neil Grace and friends, with refreshments provided by hall committee members and families, who unexpectedly raised £1000 for the Glebe Hall. Initiatives like this are important as they not only help the hall’s finances but also raise the profile of the Winterbournes and the Glebe Hall. Our fundraising group have continued over the years to organise a range of events, which have included Food Fest, Ladies Nights, Dog/Horse racing and Halloween Nights. However, they would like some more volunteers with ideas or offers of practical assistance. If available please contact our secretary and she will give you contact details. The Glebe Hall increasingly attracts new ventures including Moo Music for mothers and their babies, yoga, pilates and meetings by various organisations. In addition, our regular users such as Scouts, Cubs, Brown- ies and Rainbows, plus, Horticultural, Historical and Astronomical So- cieties and the Drama Group together with their newly formed youth group, organise numerous events and also welcome new members or visitors. Hall usage extends beyond single interest groups, with private parties, weddings, musical evenings and conferences. Increased hall usage makes extra demands on cleaning and booking ad- ministration costs, as we try to ensure that all is well for each and every user 24/7. Therefore, the practical cooperation of all organisations, their committees and hall representatives has become extremely important to the upkeep of the hall. With that in mind I am saddened to report that our current caretaker, Jane Lackey who took on both the roles of cleaner and booking clerk, has resigned and will be missed. I wish to take the opportunity on behalf of the committee, to thank Jane for her dedication and hard work in making the hall so presentable for all users. Her contribution was significant when we underwent the Hall- mark inspection and review. They complimented the condition of the hall in their report. We are currently in the process of advertising for replacements for the cleaner and booking clerk roles. As Christmas approaches we can look forward to the Newbourne Play- ers 2019 pantomime ‘Dick Whittington’ 11th 13th 14th December 2019 and the next Moviola showing ‘YESTERDAY’ on Thursday 28th No- vember So together with the Election “Pantomime” on the 12th De-

13 cember, there is fun and entertainment to be had by all. It only remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and to thank those in the Winterbournes who have helped with the fundraising and running of the Glebe Hall during the year. Graham Lloyd Chairman, Glebe Hall Committee

Star Fundraiser

Sue Davis has been running jumble sales to raise money for the Glebe Hall for over 40 years. In that time she must have raised some £30,000. Sue has also been raising money for Salisbury Hospice, with additional jumble sales and parties. At her recent 80th birthday party she was presented with a cheque from Salisbury Hospice for £20,652, to mark the amount she had raised over 20 years. Donations from friends and relations, instead of 80th birthday presents have added a further £1,222. Congratulations Sue.

14 Winterbourne Glebe Hall Prices for Hiring 2020

Vicarage Lane, Winterbourne Earls, Salisbury, SP4 6HA Registered Charity 279405

Description Price £

Daytime (whole premises) 18* Per hour

Evening (whole premises) 24* Per hour

Small Meeting Room** (Ron Burton Room) 12* Per hour

Weddings (includes 6pm Friday to 10am Sun- 520* day)

Cleaning after wedding 50

Cleaning after special events 50

*Discount may be available for Winterbourne residents — please enquire.

**Small Meeting Room has self-contained access from outside, also may be available with access to kitchen & toilets — please enquire Booking Clerk: Jane Lackey 07840887842 [email protected]

website: www.glebehall.org.uk

15 Amesbury Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team

Safe and Found – Wiltshire Police launches the Herbert Protocol Adults go missing for all sorts of reasons, but according to national charity Missing People dementia is one of the most com- mon, representing around one in ten adult missing incidents nationally. It is estimated that four in every 10 people with dementia will go missing at some point, often unintentionally and may require police involvement. It is important that families and carers feel there is something they can do to help when someone goes missing. Today (19 September 2019) Wiltshire Po- lice, in partnership with Alzheimer’s Support and Swindon Carers Centre, has launched the Herbert Protocol; a national scheme which encourages carers to compile and store useful information which can be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. Wiltshire Police is asking carers, family members and friends of dementia suf- ferers to fill in a booklet in advance, recording important details such as medi- cation, mobile numbers, places previously visited and a recent photograph. If a family member, friend or resident goes missing, the booklet can be quickly handed to police, reducing the time taken to gather information during the initial, critical stages of a search, which police call ‘the golden hour’. The Herbert Protocol is named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy land- ings, who lived with dementia. Detective Inspector Mark Kent, Force Lead for Missing Persons, said: “I really welcome the opportunity to work with partner agencies across Wiltshire and Swindon in launching the Herbert Protocol. It will help us and help carers keep vulnerable people safe. “The information may need to be located quickly, at any time day or night, by a police officer to begin the initial searches. The police will only ever ask for the Herbert Protocol booklet if the person is reported missing”. Stuart Ilbury, Service Delivery Manager at Swindon Carers Centre, said "The Herbert Protocol will not only enable the individual with memory problems the

16 freedom we all deserve, but also give their equally deserving carers relief and knowledge that plans are in place should their dependents get confused and lost. Swindon Carers Centre are delighted to have played a part in this new protocol and its launch." Diane Barkham, Dementia Adviser Manager at Alzheimer’s Support, said: “Alzheimer's Support are really pleased to see an initiative that will help families feel more confident that their family member have a better chance of being found if they use this document. It is always a worry that someone with dementia may go out and not find their way home". Missing People's Georgia Romeril said, "People living with dementia may feel the urge to walk about, sometimes leaving home and struggling to find their way back. Due to their age and medical circumstances they may be at greater risk of coming to harm whilst they are away." The booklet is available free of charge and can be downloaded from the Wilt- shire Police website www.wiltshire.police.uk/herbertprotocol. Copies are also available from police station enquiry offices, council offices and doctors’ surgeries. It must be kept in a safe place where it can easily be found and given to police if the person it refers to goes missing. You can report a missing person to police at any time. Call 101, or 999 if the missing person is a child or someone thought to be at serious risk or harm. You can also report to the charity Missing People on 116 000.

If you are walking your dog in more rural areas please remember that all dogs should be on a lead when around any livestock. POLICE If you have any information about offenders or see something suspicious, please call Wiltshire Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency dial 999.

This link, https://www.police.uk/ ,will allow you to check statisticss in more de- tail for your area, and all surrounding areas. PCSO 3961 Tina Roylance [email protected]

PC 1481 Lucy Wileman [email protected]

Please dial 101 to report a crime and 999 in an emergency

17 Volunteering

Bourne Valley Link Scheme

We provide neighbourly services (e.g. visits to friends and rela- tives or a pleasant drive to a place of interest together with transport to hospitals, GPs, dental surgeries, hairdressers and shopping) in the Bourne Valley parishes in exchange for a donation in a sealed envelope to Bourne Valley Link Scheme. Tel. 01980 611117 for more details.

Bourne Valley Link volunteers recently attended an enlightening talk on the services offered by Communi- ty First by Mary Hardwick, including details of Wilt- shire Link and Community Transport. It is estimated that there is a saving to local services of £960 per volunteer per year in Wiltshire. The volunteers were re- warded with a delicious, traditional afternoon tea.

Ring the coordinator on 01980 611117 to use the scheme.

18 Christmas Bazaar Join us for mulled wine and mince pies at Glebe Hall, Winterbourne Earls on Saturday 23rd November from 10.30 to 12.00 noon A large variety of Christmas-themed stalls, together with a terrific raffle, will give everyone the perfect opportunity to prepare for the festive season. Relax with a glass of mulled wine (or cup of coffee) and a delicious mince pie. Everyone welcome!

New Year Party Saturday 1st February 2020 2.30 to 4.30pm at the Glebe Hall, Winterbourne Earls. Enjoy afternoon tea including delicious homemade sandwiches and cakes, together with comedy and lively music from the Salisbury Pluck- ers. Excellent raffle. Pay on the door. If you would like us to provide transport in exchange for a donation, please remember to ring the coordinators as soon as possible to arrange. Christmas Closing: The BVLS and the coordinators will not be available after 5pm on FRI- DAY 20th DECEMBER 2019. We start again at 9am on THURSDAY 2nd JANUARY 2020. Please book AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to allow the coordinators the maximum amount of time to arrange transport. Registered charity number 1108029 www.bournevalleylink.org.uk

19 Interests and Activities

Bourne Valley Historical Society Winterbourne Stores and Post Office The Bourne Valley are sadly losing another long-held institution, name- ly the Winterbourne Stores and Post Office. There have been several stores in the Winterbournes over the past 100 years or so, all have dis- appeared over time, and this, the last one is closing its doors on 30th No- vember 2019 for the final time. The Winterbourne Store has been a stand-alone building next to Dyke’s Cottage since the 1700s. We learn from “A Village Walk June 1992” notes by Keith Norris and Maureen Atkinson. That “In 1774 this was a shoemaker’s shop and it was owned by Samuel London. It was probably built about 1500. There was a fireplace in the shop where the till is now. Cobbler's nails were dug up in the garden of Dyke's Cot- tage, next door where Samuel London lived.” The till was moved around 2006 to its present position. Gathering what information I could find, I have put together a brief his- tory of the shop and shopkeepers in Winterbourne Dauntsey. The ear- lier ones I cannot positively identify as running the Winterbourne Store, but their occupations are recorded as shopkeepers in Winter- bourne Dauntsey, in various documentation. James Humble a shopkeeper from 1848-49 in Winterbourne Dauntsey (found in the Kelly’s directory, it does not mention where). Stephen and Sarah Williams were between 1855 – 1878 recorded as being shopkeepers, Tailor and Post-Master/Mistress in both Winterbourne Dauntsey and Winterbourne Gunner (It is difficult to pinpoint exactly where in Winterbourne Dauntsey) but they were in a lean-to alongside Ferncot in Winterbourne Gunner, until it was bought by Samuel Cusse around the 1880’s. George Yates – A Shopkeeper in Winterbourne Dauntsey in 1859 (Post Office Directory) no record of where. Mrs Em- ma Smith - Recorded as a Grocer, Post Mistress, Draper and Greengro- cer in both Winterbourne Dauntsey & Winterbourne Gunner, with Frances Helen Pocock her daughter taking over the post office duties in

20 Winterbourne Gunner in a shop between the Beeches and the Garage from 1905, Frances Pocock’s son Mr A E Pocock ran this business till his death in 1962, so their family ran a shop in Winterbourne Gunner between 1880 and 1962. William J Smith - is recorded as a Sweets, Baker and Shopkeeper in Winter- bourne Dauntsey from 1895 – 1911 (found in the Kelly’s Directories) Mrs Elizabeth Smith – is also recorded as a Shopkeeper in Winterbourne Dauntsey 1905 – 1920 (also found in the Kelly’s Directory) (could be Wil- liam’s Wife?). Arthur W Dyke was a Shopkeeper in Winterbourne Dauntsey between 1923 and 1932 (found in the Kelly’s Directory) Was Dykes corner named after him in the 1900’s? The Kelly’s Directory 1937-38, also has a G H Diffey with a General Stores in Winterbourne Dauntsey this could possibly have been the shop, does anyone remember? G H Diffey did have a store in Salisbury so it is possible.

Wm Selby Jn can be found in the Kelly’s Trade Directory of 1939 as a shopkeeper, with Phyllis E Selby recorded as a shopkeeper in the 1939 register both in Winterbourne Dauntsey. Also, a hand drawn map by Grace Lewis dated 1932-1957 has the shop named as Selby’s.

Norah Milhench - Ran the Winterbourne Dauntsey Store between July 1948– Christmas 1949. (the Bourne Valley Historical Society archives hold a picture with her name on the shop front). Adverts in The Three Winterbournes show each entry with a different rhyme.

Autumn 1949 We would just like to mention, Our window extension; With so much on hand, we just had to expand. You will see as you pass, our sweets are first-class, But if they do not suit, have you looked at our fruit?

Easter 1950 sees new management of the Winterbourne Supply Stores Mr W M Groves ---- they also advertised in the Three Winterbournes Magazine and did so up to 1954, with each magazine containing a verse.

21 Christmas 1953 Sing a song of Christmas ‘tis time again for fun With toys and crackers, fruit and nuts, and gifts for everyone. Now down at Grove’s store you’ll find, A very good selection Both food and presents of the kind, that reach up to perfec- tion So, may this Christmas season bring, The very best of cheer, And the family of the corner shop, wish you all a bright New Year. The adverts disappear from the magazine in 1954 but continued in the shop until late 1967 (a photograph held by the BV Historical Society, shows the shop as being called Groves).

Alick A. Bassett took over the shop in 1967 (date taken from the original bill of sale) from the Groves. David Baker his grandson told how his grandfather, as he cycled past would, stop to buy his woodbine and polo mints from the shop every day, when on three consecutive days there were no polo mints, he remarked that, “He could run the shop better!” the then owner replied, “Why don’t you buy it then” and he did! This chance remark led to three generations running the stores up until 2006. Mr Bassett ran the shop until around 1969/71. In the latter years with his daughter Eva and son in law Der- rick. (He appears in the yellow pages of 1969 as the proprietor). Derrick Baker and his wife Eve joined Mr Bassett in the shop in the early 1970’s(the 1971 Yellow pages show D J Baker as the proprietor). Eva ran the Post Office, along with Mr Bassett. “At the time the shop was small, the area beyond the stairs being just a lean-to. Derrick and Eve extended the building and remained there for 24 years enjoying meeting people and being a focal point, as well as providing a real service to the community. Groceries were delivered in the Winterbournes and Ford: mail arrived at 6a.m., was sorted there and delivered on bicycles by John Sheppard and two part-timers”( from the Village Link summer 2010). When Derrick and Eve retired, the shop remained in the family, being taken over by their son and daughter in law. David and Becky Baker worked in the shop with David’s mum and dad, Der- rick and Eve Baker until they retired, and David and Becky took over in the early 80’s up until 2006. They were renowned for their “Baker’s ham” and people came from far and wide to purchase it and it is still talked about today.

22 They were very much part of the community and offered a great service “A suggestion has been put forward that a Village Diary would be an as- set. David Baker has kindly agreed to hold the Diary at the shop” (Village Link Summer 1997). Becky continued to work in the shop after it was sold in 2006 until she retired in 2017. This little village store and post office even found fame in a German newspaper, when Winterbourne was twinned with Winterborn, Oberberg in Germany in 1985. Several villagers including Derrick and Eve Baker enjoyed a very warm welcome on a trip to Germany, in celebration of the twinning. Trevor and Wendy Merrifield took over the shop in 2006, “In 2010 Trevor and Wendy are embarking on an exciting bakery venture in the shop” (Village Link 2010). they introduced a coffee machine and fresh pastries into a corner of the shop which they aptly named Cobblers. Trevor told me of how people would often ask after the health and wellbeing of other villagers whilst in the shop and he would duly tell them if he had seen them and that they were well or if some concern was aroused by their absence, appropriate measures would be taken to discover their nonappearance. (He once had to knock on a door to an ailing villager, who had not been seen for a while), there was a positive outcome there, thank goodness. In 2018 Trevor and Wendy made the store famous once more by winning “Best Post Office Community Re- tailer” at a national award ceremony in London. The local store was up against six others from across the country in their particular category, which recognises Post Offices which are among the only amenities in their villages.

The Winterbourne shop had become, as I am sure it always was, the hub of the village with tickets being sold and posters displayed for various events and a friendly meeting place for the locals to natter. All the occupants of the shop appear to have given their very best to their pa-

23 trons, from the very first to the very last proprietors. We can only thank them all, past and present, for their hard work, diligence and I am sure much needed sense of humour, over the many years and say a genuinely sad “Farewell to the Village Store” and thank you for the memories.

Angela Armstrong, Archivist Bourne Valley Historical Society Founded in 1948 by just 12 residents of The Winterbournes, the Socie- ty now has a membership of over 90 and its interests extend to all the villages of the Bourne Valley from The Winterbournes to Cholderton. Members have access to a large archive collection of photographs and documents, including full reports on topics of local historical and ar- chaeological interest. Society Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month (except August and December) at 7.30pm in the Glebe Hall, Winterbourne Earls. Future Meetings in 2019 & 2020: November 21st Adrian Green, “The Stories behind the Hoards” January 16th 2020 Graham Bathe, “Commons, Greens and Rights of Custom” Membership of the Society is currently £13 per annum and includes at- tendance at 10 lectures, plus a monthly Newsletter that includes a sum- mary of the lecture given at the previous meeting. Visitors may attend up to two meetings for a donation, before they are asked to join. Please contact Maureen Atkinson on 01980 611311 or at [email protected] for further information. Website: www.bournevalleyhistory.co.uk Maureen Atkinson

24 Newbourne Players

On 15th September the Newbourne Players Youth Group successfully performed their play ‘The Chair’ by Geoff Bamber, to a large audience at the Glebe Hall. Each of our young members gave memorable performances, which contributed to a production that was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Together with the senior members of the Newbourne Players they are busy rehears- ing for our next Pantomime ‘Dick Whittington’. This traditional Pantomime is full of fun frolics and song, not to be missed. So when you see the posters, book your tickets early to ensure a seat on either Wednesday 11th (NOT THURSDAY DUE TO THE UK PARLIMENTARY ELECTION) or Friday 13th December 2019 with a 7.30 start or alternatively attend an early performance on Saturday 14th starting at 2.30 pm. The Newbourne Players are also pleased to announce that they are planning next years programme with a Murder Mystery for you to solve over evening refreshments and drinks. This will be performed in April/May 2020. As baking

25 fever hits the country, the village fete or- ganisers in the village of Crabblebottom are delighted when celebrity chef Edu- ardo D’Angelo takes up residence and agrees to judge the annual cake baking competition. But this year there is a change of plan, as the bake-off turns into a bump off.

Next year’s pantomime is also being reviewed and one of the following popular shows will be selected:

The Newbourne Players intend to support the work of the youth section next year and sponsor a possible musical in the autumn 2020, so look out for the date.

Finally, we are always on the look out for new members either to tread the boards or backstage. The drama group is embarking on improving its lighting, audio and stage systems to help improve future productions and make them more memorable for you to enjoy. So why not come along, have a go and share the joy of taking part in putting on varied productions and develop lifelong friendships. You never know, you might enjoy the experience. We meet on Wednesday evenings. Either Tracy (07795326919) or Graham (07425166986) would love to hear from you and provide answers to any questions you may have. For those wishing more information on joining or helping with the Newbourne Players Youth Group (NPYG) please contact Jo McMullen (07976261808).

Graham Lloyd

26 Winterbourne Walkers Every Tuesday, whatever the weather, we meet at the Glebe Hall car- park at 10.30. Being very fortunate with an abundance of footpaths we mostly walk locally around the Winterbournes. However, occasionally transport arrangements are made to go further afield. The group is a diverse mixture of enthusiasts including birdwatchers, fishers, orchid spot- ters and even historians. What brings us together is that we are a welcoming and friendly group who agree that is just as important to be together, as it is to walk. This is typified by finishing every walk by grab- bing a coffee together at ….. Coffee Club An opportunity to get together over coffee. Everybody welcome meet at the Winterbourne Arms 12.15 every Tuesday. Clare 01980 611939

Porton Flower Arranging Club Success in the Romsey Show September 2019 Congratulations to members of Porton Flower Arranging Group. This was the group’s first entry into the show, three members entered the club class ‘Where in the World am I?’ with an entry depicting China. The entry was designed by Angie Chick, the bamboo structure con- structed by Laura Goddard. Penny Fleet worked with them on choosing the flower designs and all three arranged the flowers on the day. We were thrilled to receive second place. Laura did one better in the individual entry of ‘beach combing’ by getting first prize against very talented opposition. Well done Laura. Our Wednesday evening meetings once a month are much more re- laxed. We find working with flowers so therapeutic, creative and it’s fun. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm, do come and join us or phone Penny on 01980 611815 or email [email protected] to find out more. On Friday 29th November, we will have our annual Christmas flower arranging demonstration given this year by Irene Hickson. This event will take place at the Glebe Hall, Winterbourne Earls starting at 7.30pm

27 (doors open at 7pm), tickets are £8 to include mince pie and tea or coffee. Please contact Penny for tickets. Penny Fleet 01980 611815

Bourne Valley Horticultural Society and Gardening Club Evening Meetings The autumn programme of meetings began on the first Thursday in Septem- ber with a fascinating insight into the production of perfumes and scents from a wide variety of plants and other organic materials. Because of the impracti- calities and constraints on obtaining some of the aromas needed in perfume making, for instance musk, the manufacture of synthetic equivalents has become necessary. There was an opportunity, after John Baker’s illustrated talk, to try and identify various scents provided by June in numerous vials of essential oils. John and June own one of the largest collections of hostas in the country in their ‘Hanging Hostas’ garden near Borden in Hampshire. Their garden is open on various dates during the summer as part of the National Garden Scheme. Our October speaker was Roger Hiron, the Bournemouth based ‘Plant Doc- tor’, an expert on plants and garden design, with over 20 years of horticultural experience gained in the industry following formal training at Pershore Col- lege of Horticulture. He gave a riveting, hint packed and humorous talk on preparing the garden for winter, from mulching to pruning with a mind to garden ecology. His talk was peppered throughout with the question ‘Why are apples round and pears, pear-shaped?’... He brought a variety of unusual plants from his Bournemouth based business, which could be purchased at a significant price discount, and stayed on to answer individual questions on gardening problems posed to him afterwards. In November, Lyn Miles gave a talk entitled ‘For the Love of Snowdrops’ and brought along some snowdrop related products to buy. Lyn opens her garden in Boscombe Village as part of the National Gardens Scheme. She has a collection of over 200 named varieties of snowdrops but also grows many other plants giving her garden interest throughout the year. Our evening meetings are held at the Glebe Hall on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30 p.m. All visitors are very welcome to attend in exchange for a small donation to the club’s expenses. Apart from a talk and refreshments afterwards, there is a ‘taster’ table with ideas as to what can be made from sur- plus produce, a garden produce ‘bring and buy’ sale and a raffle. The annual

28 subscription is £15. This entitles members to free entry to all speaker evenings and reduced entry fees for the Annual Show.

Forthcoming evening meetings: 5th December: Our Christmas meeting taking the form of a small, garden related film show accompanied by mulled wine and mince pies.

Other Events: St Thomas Church, Salisbury, each year holds a Christmas Tree Festi- val which enables local groups or individuals to display the essence of their club or work. This year Joanne Sankey has had an application accepted for our club. Our tree display will be entitled ‘No Room in the Shed’. The exhibition will be held from 3rd to 8th December. We would like to encourage you to pop in to the church and have a look!

On 18th January 2020 we will be holding our popular annual club social event, this time a curry evening with entertainment. To recognise the ongoing support given to the club by its members, the ticket price for this event will be much reduced. We hope as many as possible will book tickets and come along to enjoy an evening with friends, at the same time benefiting from the discounted price.

Although a long way ahead, our Annual Show will be held on 18th July 2020. The show schedule is currently being compiled. Much will re- main unaltered or subject only to minor adjustments, but, there will be a major overhaul of the children's classes to enable a wider variety of choices of classes to enter. In addition, due in part to two of our regular wine makers announcing their ‘retirement’, we have decided to reduce the number of wine classes to make way for the introduction of homemade beer and cider classes.

For further information about our programme of talks and events and enquiries about membership visit our website www.bvhsgardeningclub.com. We always delighted to welcome new members to our small, friendly club.

Clare Dunster Secretary 01980 619121

29 Bourne Valley Singers D-Day Remembered Bourne Valley Singers hosted a Tea Party on Sunday 13th October, to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. We welcomed a capaci- ty audience (with Ration Book Tickets) to a beautifully decorated Glebe Hall, resplendent with red, white and blue table-clothes and nap- kins, flags and bunting. Liz Sweetnam accompanied our Torch singers, Jenny Morgan and Hilary Sharland, and also 'Flanagan and Allen', all of whom were magnificent! We sang many old favourites, and the audience enjoyed singing along with us; we even managed a birthday rendi- tion for someone who was 91 on the day. Sue Morgan was 'in charge' for the day, and did an excellent job. Jo- anne was in charge in the kitchen (as usual) and ensured the smooth serving of the tea. We were delighted that the event, as well as being an enjoyable afternoon for all, raised over £600 for two village organisations, the Glebe Hall and Club Friday. We would like to thank all those who came and supported us and especially those who sold so many tickets.

The Bourne Valley Singers can be heard at the Christmas Tree Festival at St.Thomas' Church on 7th December at 3pm and at the Winter- bourne Methodist Church on 11th December: hot drinks and cake will be served during the interval and a raffle drawn during the evening. Please see the poster for further details (page 58).

30 We have had a challenging autumn as Anne, our Musical Director, has been unwell and could not lead us for the Tea Party and one of our guest performers sadly died just before the concert. Harry had been a great support to us over the years and will be much missed. We are lucky to have many friends who rallied round to help out. We hope to see you at one of our December concerts. Glenys Hollingdale–Smith

Winterbourne Cricket Club With summer now a distant memory, we can reflect on a hugely suc- cessful season for Winterbourne Cricket Club. The weather was kind and remarkably no Saturday matches were lost to the weather which is testament to our excellent drainage and own little micro-climate that seems to make the rain go around Winterbourne! The Saturday league team gained a 2nd successive promotion, playing some good cricket and winning 11 out of 16 games over the season. At our recent end of season awards, Winterbourne resident Sam Parker, who only moved to the village this year, scooped the Player of the Year Award after some fine performances with the bat, including two centuries. Our thriving junior section had a great summer with up to 90 local children playing cricket in the village each week. This went from as young as 5 years old right up to age 13 and included a great mix of boys and girls who were hopefully inspired by England winning the World Cup and a close fought battle for the Ashes. Looking ahead to next season, planning is well under way. Last year, our juniors were over-subscribed so if you are interested in your children learning to play cricket, please look out on our website in the new year to get their name down early. We hope to run the same introduction to cricket for 5-8 year old over 8 weeks from May to July and will also run teams for Under 9s, U11s and U13s with coaching starting in the spring. Many thanks as ever to all local businesses that sponsor the Club and those who volunteer their time to keep it going. Your support is vital and it is really is making a difference to the young people of our local

31 area. Next season we will be looking for new sponsors, so if your business is able to spare even a small amount, it will be most welcome to help encourage sport for children in our area. As ever, more help is always needed, so if you are interested in playing, coaching, sponsoring or any other kind of help, please do get in touch.

Ryan Hughes Chairman [email protected] www.winterbournecc.com

Club Friday Every Friday from 10am to 3pm in the Bourne Valley Methodist Church Hall, Winterbourne Dauntsey, apart from Good Friday, Christ- mas and New Year. It’s a day packed with “Fun, Friendship and Food”. Transport is provided and we have a group of friendly and caring volunteers to welcome you. We recently celebrated our 38th birthday with cake and entertainment from Salisbury Pluckers, the local ukulele band. Future activities include an armchair yoga session, a celebration of Thanksgiving, a Christmas singalong with Sarah Collins, entertainment from Winter- bourne Primary School, Christmas lunch at the Winterbourne Arms and Christmas craft/card/decorations. In 2020 we look forward to more singing, entertainment, a visit from ZooLab with their small animals, memory sessions, armchair exercises to music and team games like boccia and indoor curling. Visitors are welcome to call in and share a cuppa – especially on the first Friday in the month, when we hold our cake and produce sales. We do have space for new, regular guests and also would welcome more volunteers. Help can be flexible; it can be a morning, afternoon or whole day, once a week, a fortnight, or a month. Why not call our organiser, Lisa, on 07870 203374 or [email protected]? We at Club Friday would like to thank Trevor and Wendy Merrifield at Winterbourne Stores for all their help and support and to wish them well for the future.

Churches

Bourne Valley Methodist Church

Minister: Rev Steve Hawkes 01722 334833 [email protected] Senior Steward: Joy Davey 01980 611857

Services are held each Sunday at 10am with Holy Communion monthly. Occasional services as announced. Please see church notice board for all details. Everyone is welcome to join us.

It’s great to be back! As of 1st September 2019, I have returned as the Minister of Bourne Valley Methodist Church and it is indeed great to be back.

As some will remember, in September 2017 there was a re-arrangement of ministers within the Salisbury Circuit of the Methodist Church and I was ‘whisked off’ to Fordingbridge and Sandleheath (whilst retaining Bemerton Church). But God continues to call us in unexpected ways, so I’m now back at Bourne Valley, whilst retaining responsibility for the three others churches.

By the time this is published, we will be firmly in the season of the Christian Calendar known as Advent, which is a time of waiting and preparation. And as I think about Advent, I also think about looking back and looking forward, as I relate the season to the changes that have occurred during my time in Salisbury.

Advent is a time of looking back to the birth of Jesus Christ, and cele- brating the greatest gift the world has ever seen. But it’s also a time of looking forward to the second coming of Christ with hope. As we continue to follow God’s call on our lives and as we journey once again

33 through the season of Advent, my prayer is that we will hold on to the hope that Christ brings. Every time we open a door of our Advent Cal- endar, every time we brave the shops as we buy our presents and all that we feel we need in order to have a great Christmas, let’s pause and spare a thought for the time of preparation and the time of hope that the season is really all about. Yours in Christ

Rev Steve Hawkes

Anglican Parish News The Vicar: Rev Peter Ostli-East 01980 611350 [email protected]

7.30pm on Friday 6th December: Riverside Singers Concert at St Michael & All Angels Winterbourne Earls. Come and enjoy this annual celebration of locally grown musical talent, led by Lynsey Docherty, and supported by invited professional singers. As well as the singing, there will be mince pies and drinks available to enjoy! Tickets cost £10, available at the Winterbourne Post Office & Store (thank you, Wendy & Trevor) until 30th November, and after that from Roger Mor- gan (01980 611474) or Rev’d Peter Ostli-East (01980 611350)

Seasonal thoughts from the Vicarage... As the preparations for Christmas get under way, do remember to take time to allow yourself a little space in the weeks leading up to the festive season, to pause, sit still and reflect - perhaps to listen to well known carols, and hear again the Bible stories about the birth of Jesus Christ... There are many opportunities to find peace in our local churches, either quietly on your own or by gathering with others at the variety of services offered. Taking time to remember just why this is such a special time of year, and whose birthday it is that we celebrate on 25th De- cember, will help you enjoy the family time, parties and presents even more. And if Christmas is a time when past memories come back to cause sorrow, or if you find yourself alone, seek out one of the clergy or other ministers who are here to help – a conversation, over a cup of tea or coffee perhaps, may make all the difference.

34 This year, a general election is being held during Advent (Thursday 12th De- cember) and it is my prayer that recent, unhelpful rhetoric from some of our politicians, and others, will subside and campaigners will focus on promoting what is true, fair and just for all in our society. Please pray as you prepare to cast your vote, and may we all be guided by the wisdom and compassion of God.

With every blessing for a peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year. Peter

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the fundraising to enable us to restore the bells and clock at St Michael & All Angels church.

££££... In total, the Fundraising now stands at almost £40,000, thanks to the generosity of you, the local community. We are continuing to apply to various grant-making bodies and charities that support Bells and Clock restora- tion, and will keep you informed of progress in the coming months. On behalf of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and all members of St Michael & All Angels’ congregation, a very big THANK YOU!!

Christmas Puddings at £6.00 each, with profits going to the Bells and Clock Appeal, are available from Joanne Sankey, 7 Summerlug, tel. 07580 978195

35 Not just Sundays… everyone is welcome to all our Church services and events: Celtic Eucharist for Advent at 7.30pm on Thursday 12th December in St Nicholas Porton. Everyone is welcome to this reflective, peaceful service which might prove to be an oasis of calm in the midst of busy Christmas preparations – and a space to pray on the day of the General Election.

First and third Mondays of each month: Gathering for Prayer at 4.00pm (for approx. half an hour) in St Michael & All Angels, Winterbourne Earls Bourne Valley House Group at 7.30pm for approx. an hour and a half, currently meeting at 111 East Gomeldon Road. Come and enjoy an informal time of study, prayer and fellowship –and tea (or coffee) & cake! Everyone is welcome, please contact Simon Dawson on 07825 408804 for more details

Wednesdays 9.30am Holy Communion in St Michael & All Angels, W Earls Keep in touch with your local church each week with In Touch the regular ‘pew sheet’ with details of services and events in the Team, and nearby. Pick up a copy in church, or email the Team Office: bourne- [email protected] and your e-address will be added to the distri- bution list. Caring for one another... In our Bourne Valley Team of Anglican Churches, as well as the ordained clergy and licensed lay ministers, there are individuals who have been called, trained and commissioned to offer pastoral support to anyone in need. These lay pastoral assistants are able to respond to those wanting a visit, at home or in hospital; can bring Holy Communion to those not able to get to church easily; and offer a listening ear to families who have been bereaved, or encourage families bringing a child for baptism. If you would like to speak with a member of this team of pastoral assistants, please contact Peter (Priest in Charge) or Ali Joyce (Prayer Tree coordinator, see below).

36 Bourne Valley Prayer Tree if you would like someone to pray for you, or know a family member or friend who needs prayer, why not involve the Pray- er Tree, by contacting Ali Joyce, 01980 619195 or email: [email protected] with a date when you would like the prayer to begin, and please also let her know as and when the need for prayer changes. Thank you Team Prayer: Be with us, Lord, in all we do and say, Visit each home with your peace and love Turn all hearts and minds to you, our loving God, in Jesus’ name, Amen The Jane Tanner Charitable Trust is available to residents in the two ecclesi- astical Parishes of the Winterbournes (ie: the Parishes of St Mary’s Winter- bourne Gunner, and St Michael & All Angels Winterbourne Earls with Dauntsey, Ford and Hurdcott), to provide grants (usually up to £100) to help those in short term need. If you know anyone who might benefit from this Trust fund, please ask them to contact Peter, the Priest in Charge, for an application form. Thank you

For more information about activities at the Anglican churches in the Bourne Valley please contact Rev’d Peter Ostli-East on 01980 611350 or by email: [email protected] or speak to a Churchwarden or PCC member. You can also visit our Team website at: www.bournevalleychurches.org.uk

Remember, the Churches in the Valley are here for YOU, but we need your presence and support if each Parish Church is to flourish and serve its community, as originally intended.

Peter Ostli-East

On behalf of the church communities in the Winterbournes, may I say 'Thank you' and 'Best wishes' to Trevor and Wendy for having continued to run the village Post Office & Stores for so long, facing many challenges along the way. You, and your faithful staff, have given a level of community care and provision which has been immensely appreciated - helping us and many other organizations by selling tickets for events, displaying publicity posters etc. as well as being a cheerful hub at the heart of the community. We will miss you, and wish you every blessing for the future.

37 Letter from the Vicar’s Wife Mari…

I’m not sure when you will receive this magazine but I’m sure its not too early to wish each of you a Merry Christmas. The shops have been full of decorations and presents for months in case we forget the up-coming season. There are already several short Christmas cartoons playing on our television screens, promoting the stores that hope to benefit from our desire to over indulge, and to compensate for any way we feel we may have neglected others over the rest of the year. Santa Claus, or St Nicholas actually, was a Christian saint who lived and died only a few hundred years after Christ was born. The stories of his life are not the ones we see in cosy Christmas advertisements bringing jolly gifts and treats. He was a protector of those whose lives and innocence were at risk through violence, poverty and exploitation, and such children still exist in the world today – to the collective shame of humanity. Certainly we should celebrate the birth of Christ with good food and drink, and all the pleasure brought about by Christmas lights, the smell of good things cooking and the chance hopefully to spend more leisure time with family and friends. But we really seriously need to avoid being exhausted by our efforts, made ill by over indulgence, and having even less quality time for one another, as our whole focus is centred on those few hours we call Christmas. When we can control our busyness, we can show our children and our neigh- bours that Christmas is about sharing, about loving, and about worshipping God for the birth of His son Jesus Christ. Even if we find it difficult to believe in Jesus, God believes in us and has a great desire to make use of the season to make a positive impact on our lives. When you go to church, and take your child, children or a friend, you are giving them the chance to think about, and treasure, Christmas as offering peace and love, and to include something that will work to our benefit all the year around. Giving love, thoughtfulness and forgiveness may be costly to us in some ways, but it offers the opposite of running up a big credit card debt. Make your gift to God this Christmas your presence, worshipping him in your local church.

Bless you Mari

Countryside Matters

[Our regular contributor, Trevor Lewis, is indisposed and has been unable to write for this issue. We wish him a speedy recovery, and hope to see his wisdom and enthusiasm back here in the spring. Ed.] Walking the Walk

In the Winterbournes we are very proud of our extensive network of footpaths (public rights of way), and these are very popular within the community, and with groups both local (see the information in this issue on Winterbourne Walkers) and others such as South Wiltshire Ramblers (see https:// www.wiltsswindonramblers.org.uk/index.php/south-wiltshire-ramblers/group- news). Our footpaths are of course shown on the Ordnance Survey maps, and can also be seen online at http://wiltscouncil.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ webappviewer/index.html?id=43d5a86a545046b2b59fd7dd49d89d22. In addition to the public rights of way, we also have some “permissive paths” where the landowners have generously allowed access to the land and installed stiles and other improvements for our benefit. All of these footpaths provide an opportunity to access our beautiful countryside, for exercise (dogs and humans!), and in some cases a more pleasant and safe way of getting from A to B, away from the A338. Keeping our footpaths open, accessible and in good order is time consuming, and at times challenging – vegetation such as nettles and brambles can grow very fast at certain times of the year, and in winter the high water table and river mean that some paths become very wet and muddy for prolonged periods. First and foremost USING our footpaths (walking the walk) is the best way to keep them open – regular use keeps the vegetation down and maintains a clear and visible path. The Parish Council also takes active measures to keep our paths open – periodic clearing of vegetation, undertaking specific tasks on our regular community days, and the annual footpath walk which took place this year on Sunday 20 October with a Lego theme. One major issue reported was the amount of dog mess, especially on the footpaths leading to the Primary School. Please always pick up your dog waste, which can be placed in any of the village roadside waste bins.

39 Three recent news items are first that the South Wiltshire Ramblers recently turned out in strength to open up and restore part of a footpath between Tanners Lane and Hurdcott (WINT22 on the map). This is one that had “got away from us”. A footbridge over the River Bourne was in a very poor state of repair, the path had become so heavily over- grown such that a chainsaw not strimmer was needed, and a stile had col- lapsed. Our thanks go (and have been sent) to the South Wilts Ramblers “Heavy Gang” for rescu- ing this section of the path.

Second, the Ramblers has worked alongside Natural England, the Ken- nel Club, National Farmers’ Union and others to create a new a new Dog Walking Code. This can be found on their website at https:// www.ramblers.org.uk/advice/safety/dog-walkers.aspx. Third, not walking but cycling. Wiltshire Council has been working for some time on a plan for a safe cycle route from Salisbury to Amesbury and Porton Down. This is very much in line with your wishes expressed in the household surveys in 2009 and 2016, and a possible route has now been identified from Ford through Hurdcott to Winter- bourne Earls. Once this is finalised the Parish Council will be asked to formally accept the proposal. The next steps will involve agreements with the landowners, as some paths will need to be widened and suitable surfaces laid, so that the route is suitable for bikes and wide enough to accommodate all users (i.e. walkers, horses). There is still a long way to go, but progress is slowly being made. So please do enjoy our network of footpaths. Help to keep them clean and accessible by removing litter, observe the dog walking code and

40 other countryside codes, respect in particular the permissive paths, and let the Parish Council know of any problems or maintenance needs so that we can attend to them before it is too late (as happened with WIN- T22).

Charles Penn

Young Winterbourne

Bourne Valley Explorer Scout, Scout, Cubs and Beaver Groups As I write this it seems that it has been raining forever, luckily for us in the Scout Group the summer was kind to us and most of our activities putting the OUT in scOUTing went ahead. The County Cub Fun day was a casualty of the rain. Cubs from all over the District piled into coaches to go to St John’s School in Marlbor- ough; by lunchtime the rain was just too much and the activities had to be suspended. The District Cub Athletic evening was another casualty of the weather, but luckily it has been rescheduled for the spring. The Cub Summer Camp at Sixpenny Handley, however, was a great success and the Beaver Colony joined the camp for a day visit on Saturday. We all went for a walk in the local woods, built dens and had a picnic before returning to the camp to cool off with water games. After supper the Beavers joined the cubs for a campfire and sing song before going home. On the Sunday the Cubs worked for their Communicator badge. Scout Summer Camp this year was at Horner Wood Scout campsite near Porlock in Somerset. This was also blessed with more or less good

41 weather, only having one very wet day when the planned hike to Dunkery Beacon had to be can- celled. The campsite had a river running through it but no showers. The scouts preferred bathing in the river whereas the leaders much preferred to use the solar showers rigged up in the trees where the water in the shower bag was much warmer after a day in the sun! As well as all the usual camp activities the scouts did rock climbing in the Valley of the Rocks at Lynton, coastering at Hele Bay, near to Ilfracombe, as well as some conservation work for the National Trust and orienteering. The autumn term has seen the usual movement of young people between the sections. Four Beavers have moved up to Cubs, 6 Cubs have moved up to Scouts and the Beavers now have 4 new recruits and the Cub pack has been able to take two young people from the waiting list.

In the middle of September the District had a top awards celebration evening in the Guild Hall; we at Bourne Valley had young people repre- sented at the ceremony at many levels of the awards: bronze (Beavers); silver (Cubs); Gold (Scouts); D. of E. Gold; Queen Scout.

42 Recently both the Cubs and Scouts have taken part in district competi- tions. The Bourne Valley Scouts had 4 of the eleven teams in the Grosse Trophy competition which this year took place around Gomeldon and the Winterbournes. In this competition teams of scouts walk around visiting bases where they had to complete tasks as diverse as first aid, problem solving to sheep herding, knotting and lots more! All great fun, despite the rain, which didn’t seem to have dampened anyone’s spirits as the Bourne Valley Teams came 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th! Figs- bury Troop braved an evening in Salisbury in Fair week surveying the various chip shops when I’m sure lots of chips were eaten even if no firm decisions were made about which ones were the best! At the end of the evening the new recruits were invested on the Stonehenge chair in the Maltings. Idmiston Troop had a Halloween party on the last troop meeting before half term involving fancy dress, treacle doughnuts and apple bobbing. The Cub pack put a team into the District Cub Challenge Flag competition which last time it was held firm decisions were made about which ones were the best; in 2017, we won. Not so this time but we all had a great day in the fresh air and it didn’t rain, in fact we even saw a little sunshine! It is the equivalent competition to the Scout Grosse Trophy, just on a smaller scale. Each team visit 7 bases

43 during the day: map reading; pioneering; problem solving; scouting knowledge; first aid; backwoods cooking; fire lighting. At each base they are scored on behaviour, team work and completion of the tasks. The new recruits in the pack were invested at Old Sarum Castle on an almost dry Tuesday evening. The Cubs and Leaders walked the outer ring, starting off in the light, but it was dark before they finished, then after a game, hot chocolate and snack, the new cubs made their Promise and became full members of the Pack. The Beaver Col- ony has been busy welcoming the new recruits to all things “beaver scouting” as well as catch- ing up on some badge work. Badges are a fa- vourite with Beavers, maybe not so much for the mums and dads who have the job of sewing them on! The new recruits are nearly ready to make their promise and become full members of the colony. When this happens just after the half term holiday, the colony will again be putting the OUT in scouting in the form of a night hike from Gomeldon to Porton followed by hot chocolate and snacks in Redwood’s garden. It will be an evening for everyone to remember.

44 Akela Group Contact Shirley Moores Group Scout Leader 01980 611614 [email protected]

1st Winterbourne Rainbows

We've had another busy start to the term! We've welcomed some new girls to our Rainbow unit and everyone has settled back well! The start of term saw us having a wonderful evening at the District campfire (see pictures below) when we joined with Brownies and Guides for a great evening full of song and even a hot dog thrown in! For some of the girls it was their first experience of a campfire so tre- mendous fun was had by all and even the rain managed to stay away for us!

Over the last few weeks we have been working on completing our communicate and lead skill builder badges which involved us exploring different ways to communicate with others, including signing, Makaton, emotions, body language and being a good listener! We also looked at working well together in teams and thought it would be a great idea to perform a puppet singing show for our families! To do this we made animal puppets by sewing felt and also created our own scenery using paints and collage! The girls put on a fantastic performance and were in fine voice singing lots of animal songs!

After half term we looked at what we should be thankful for and discuss Remembrance and poppies. We will also be collecting donations for the Trussell Trust food bank as part of our helping others activities. Before long the Christmas festivities will be upon us and we look forward to many activities including crafts, parties and a District trip to see Robin Hood at the Salisbury Playhouse.

To add your daughter to the waiting list you need to go to www.girlguiding.org.uk and register your interest.

Emma Marsh (AKA Lavender)

47 1st Winterbourne Brownies

Since the summer, the Brownies have been working on skills builder badges from the new programme. They have been practicing their miming and acting skills and learning some “skills for their future” such as using different tools and how to indicate safety and effectively. On the 12th October, 16 Brownies joined the leaders for a sleepover at Amesbury library. The Brownies had a fabulous time doing activities from book and films. They built igloos out of sugar cubes and icing, made marmalade sandwiches blindfolded and created pompom Poké- mon to name a few. The highlight of the evening may have been Dom- inos pizza but a great time was had by all, very little sleep for some, but all of the Brownies earnt the 7 badges that form the new South West England resource “A night at the library”. The photo doesn’t really do

the badges justice… they are definitely for camp blankets as they are far too big to fit on a uniform! Since half term we have been doing a badge created by Amey to encourage girls to try engineering. Initially Amey were hoping that 3500 girls would take part, however, after a significant demand across Girl- guiding they actually produced 150,000 badges and we were lucky

48 enough to get some. Last week the Brownies were planning where to lay railway tracks along with costings, building strong geode structures and bridges. Next week we will be looking at how roads are made with different layers and visu- alising them by making our own roads from biscuits and rice krispie cake mixture. For the rest of the term we will be finishing badges, doing Christmas activities and the Brownies will be planning their Christmas party. At the end of term we are going as a District to see the Pantomime in Salis- bury and going to the Girlguiding only screening of Frozen 2 so a busy few weeks ahead. We meet at the Methodist Church Hall on Thursday evenings. If you would like to put your daughter on the waiting list for Brownies, please contact Sarah (Brown Owl) on 01980 610743, winterbournebrown- [email protected]. If your daughter isn’t already a member of Girlguid- ing, please register via the website: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-your- daughter/

Sarah Laver (Brown Owl) 01980 610743

2nd Winterbourne Brownies

September proved to be a very busy and exciting month for 2nd Win- terbourne brownies. We welcomed Katie and Justin with their guide dogs, both Labrador/retrievers. Queenie allows Katie the freedom to walk safely especially to the hospital where she works. Ned also helps

49 Justin with other tasks. We were fascinated to learn how guide dogs are trained and matched to their owners providing life changing partnerships. Another highlight of the month was a sleepover at Cholderton Charlie’s Rare Breads Farm with plenty of activities both indoors and out. We were blessed with sunshine for our day on the farm when the girls met the animals especially the friendly goats. We enjoyed ‘rabbit fishing’ along with pig racing, pony grooming and a tractor ride. The zip wire and climbing wall were very popular also.

The Bourne Valley District campfire was held in our garden at the end of the month. It was an enjoyable and well attended event with lots of singing and delicious hot dogs.

The new programme is going well; most girls have completed and received their Explore (stage 2) skills builder badges. Currently we are concentrating on the first aid skills builder. We took part in the Salisbury City carnival with a Disney themed float on Oc- tober 25th; this exciting evening event meant all floats were beautifully illumi- nated. We were awarded second place in the community class. Proceeds from this event went to the Mayors charity, South Wiltshire Mencap.

50 One meeting recently was devoted to making a variety of delicious sweets including chocolate truffles, honey fudge, and peppermint creams for our sweet stall at the Glebe Hall fundraiser, the Friday Foodfest. We also manned a make & take table on the evening.

Other activities have included attending the important Remembrance Day service at St Michael & All Angels on 10th November and supporting the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Christmas themed activities will dominate the next few weeks! We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us during the year; help and support are always greatly appreciated.

We do have places available for girls aged 7-9 years. If you would like to put your daughter on the waiting list please contact Snowy Owl on 01980 611376. You will also need to go to “get involved” at www.girlguiding.org.uk to register your interest. The 2nd Winterbourne Brownies meet every Monday during term time in the Glebe Hall. Heather Shepherd (Snowy Owl) 01980 611376

51 Winterbourne Earls Church of England School

It’s autumn once more and life at Winterbourne Earls Primary School is as happy and busy as ever. Time has flown since the last edition and our children are all happily settled into their new classes after a fabulous summer. Over the summer we said a sad farewell to Mrs Johnson as she and her family re- located to London. However, we are delighted that she will be returning to us at certain points throughout the year in order to continue her marvellous storytelling. The first of these sessions took place at the end of September and the children had a thrilling and immersive experience which really brought the stories to life. This term we have welcomed Mrs Morgan-Tranter and Mrs Rendall to our school. Mrs Morgan-Tranter is providing additional support in Year 3 and Mrs Rendall is the new clerical assistant working alongside Mrs Hyde in the office. As we said goodbye to those children who have left for pastures new, we have had an influx of children into both our Reception class and throughout the school. We are so impressed at how well these children have settled in to their new routine and our school as a whole.

Sports News Since September, there have been many sporting activities in and around the school. The before-school sports clubs (run by Premier Sports) are well attended by pupils, as is the morning judo club (Pro-Coach Judo). Our football teams have all performed well in the Salisbury Area Festival Tourna- ment, with our boys’ team making it through to the county championships in Janu- ary. Very well done to all of those children who were involved. In September Year 3 took part in a Multi Sports Festival at Wyvern St. Edmund’s School. They had the opportunity to try many different activities and games, some of which they had never experienced before. Their excellent behaviour and ‘have a go’ attitude were a credit to our school.

Trips Trips are always a highlight of our school calendar as they really do help to enrich the children’s learning. This term, Year 5/6 had a fantastic trip to Winchester Sci-

52 ence Centre as part of their topic, Space and the Human Body. Ex- ploring the ‘hands on’ exhibits and visiting the Planetarium really helped to breathe life into their topic. Year 6 were delighted to be invited to Chafyn Grove to meet award winning author Michelle Harrison. She gave an exciting and informa- tive talk which we are sure will inspire our children with their own reading and writing. Our Reception children donned their wellies for an exploratory Wel- lie Walk around the village. It was a beautifully sunny day and they were able to observe the changing seasons in all their glory. A huge thank you to all the parents who came along to help. Other exciting trips planned include an outing to Portsmouth Historic Dockland for Years 1/2 and Years 3/4 will visit Salisbury museum. Re- ception will be going to the theatre nearer to Christmas.

Other Activities Mental Health Day was celebrated in school. Mrs McEwan led worship on mindfulness to raise awareness of the importance of emotion- al well-being and the children explored this further in their classes. Years 1/2 have enjoyed some exciting Pirate Days as part of their topic this term – they absolutely looked and sounded the part!

New play equipment was installed during the first half of term and the children wait- ed very patiently throughout this process. After much anticipation the equipment was opened and our eldest and youngest pupils were the first to try it out.

The first week back after half term was Lit- eracy Week. The whole school was introduced to the wonderful, magical story book, Leon and the Place Be- tween, by Angela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith. Each class then used the book as inspiration for their own imaginative storytelling and writing.

Looking ahead We are now starting to prepare and plan for Christmas activities. The children in KS1 will begin rehearsals for their Christmas Production soon and Oak class will be preparing for their own performance to parents. Older members of the choir are practising hard for their performance at the Small Schools’ Carol Concert on Monday 9th December as well as appearing at St Thomas’ Church at the end of term. In addition, we are looking forward to entertaining members of the Winter- bourne Friday Club at the beginning of December.

A Date for Your Diary Our school Christmas Fayre is on Friday 6th December. Based on previous years’ events, we are hoping for an incredible, fun-filled extrava- ganza. We hope to see many of you there.

54 Admission to Primary School

Do you have a child who is due to start school in September 2020? If so we would be delighted to show you around our school. Please telephone to make an appointment. (01980 611356)

If you decide that you would like your child to attend our school, you must complete an application form (available from the school, your child’s current childcare provider or online www.wiltshire.gov.uk) and send it to Wiltshire Council by noon on 15th January 2020, for consider- ation in the first admissions round. Everyone must submit an application regardless of where you live or if siblings currently attend the school.

Welcome to Pop In ‘Pop In’ is an informal group that is run by members of St Michael & All Angels Church, Winterbourne Earls. It takes place in the church on Tuesday afternoons in term time from 3.15 until 4.30 pm. Pop In has now been running for four years and continues to be very popular with parents, grandparents, carers and children. We frequently have over 30 children, as well as the accompanying adults. There is a warm, friendly atmosphere and the children often race into church with great enthusiasm and enjoy a number of different craft activities, as well as the ever popular box of Lego. Some of our activities relate to the church festivals and we will soon be going full steam ahead for Christmas. Keeping the children happily occupied is important to us, as those who bring them can then relax for a short time, get to know each other and enjoy a cup of tea. Some people come every week, others come when they can – it doesn’t matter – there is always a welcome! Do come along and see for yourselves.

The Pop In team

55 Forthcoming Events

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*NOTE NOW WEDNESDAY 11th NOT THURSDAY DUE TO THE UK PARLIMENTARY ELECTION

59 The Other Guys are long established and have won acclaim as one of the finest university 'a cappella' groups. They frequently perform at the Edinburgh Fringe and in December this year they will be appearing alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Their programme for their 2020 Winter Tour of England is a variety of classical and modern music providing an evening of fine music, humour and entertainment. This is a rare opportunity to see the group here in the South and they have agreed to donate proceeds to the St Michael's Bells Appeal. Look them up on You Tube and you will definitely be tempted to buy some tickets to lift the January post Christmas gloom!

60 Scout Christmas Post 2019 This very popular service will be once again available in your area Stamps only 30p each Stamps and Posting Boxes will be available locally (look out for the posters in your area) from the middle of November in a number of different locations all over the Bourne Valley

Last day of Posting Friday 6th December 2019 Details of areas where cards can be delivered can be found at all stamp outlets and all post boxes. Please only send cards to the designated areas and only post cards with scout stamps on in the SCOUT POST BOXES and NOT in the Royal Mail. SORRY but Cards for areas not covered by our deliverers cannot be delivered at all. If you want further details of outlets or have any difficulty purchasing stamps or posting cards please contact:- John or Shirley Moores Tel No 01980 611614 All post will be delivered by Christmas Eve

Locations where cards can be delivered

Alderbury, Allington, Amesbury, Barford St Martin, Ber- wick St James, Boscombe Village, Boscombe Down, Bishopstone, Bowerchalke, Broadchalk, Britford, Bul- ford, Burcomb, Charlton All Saints, Cholderton, Claren- don, Codford, Coombe Bissett, Dinton, Downton, Durn- fords, Durrington, East Grimstead, Ebbesbourne Wake, Farley, Figheldean, Firsdown, Ford, Fordingbridge TOWN ONLY, Fovant, Gomeldon, Great Wishford, Hale, Hamptworth, Harnham, Homington, Idmiston, Landford, Langfords, Larkhill, Laverstock, Longhedge, Lopcombe, Lover, Morgans Vale, Netherhampton, Newton Tony, Nomansland, Nunton, Odstock, Old Sarum, Orcheston, Pitton, Porton, Quidhampton, Redlynch, Salisbury, Shrewton, South Newton, Stapleford, Stoford, Stratford Tony, Tilshead, West Grimstead, Whaddon, Whitepar- ish, Wilsford, Wilton, Winterbournes, Winterslow, Wood- falls, Woodfords, Wylye

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71 Advertising in the Village Link

Our advertising prices are given below. Our circulation is now 600 copies and our readership is much more. The magazine therefore gets to a lot of people in the area. It would help us to keep costs down if we use email rather than postage. Please could all advertisers include an email address where possible? When submitting an advert please send it to: [email protected] If you are not sending it by email please post it to the Editor:

Dr EJ Penn Grange Cottage Gaters Lane Winterbourne Dauntsey SP4 6ER

Our advertising prices for 2019 (still kept at 2016 rate) are given below. Please indicate how long you would like your advert to run (there are three issues a year) and what size you would like it to be, remembering that the magazine is printed in black and white and is in A5 format. Cheques should be made payable to Winterbourne Parish Council and sent to the Editor, Dr EJ Penn. Alternatively payment can be made by BACS or standing order; please contact the Editor for details. Size of advert Cost for 1 year * Cost for 1 issue Full page £120 £44 Half page £80 £29 Quarter page £48 £17.50 *10% discount if you advertise for the whole year

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Church services in the Winterbournes this Christmas-tide (Normal Church services continue in December and January except as shown below) Sunday 15th December: 6.00pm United Winterbournes’ Carol Service at St Michael & All Angels church Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24th December: 4.00pm Crib Service at St Mary’s church Winterbourne Gunner Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24th December: 6.00pm Christingle Service at St Michael & All Angels church Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24th December: 11.00pm ‘Midnight Communion’ at St Michael & All Angels church Christmas Day, Wednesday 25th December: 9.30am Christmas Communion at St Mary’s church, Winterbourne Gunner Christmas Day, Wednesday 25th December: 10.30am Christmas Worship at BV Methodist Church Christmas Day, Wednesday 25th December: 10.45am Christmas Family Commun- ion at St Michael & All Angels church We look forward to seeing you soon...!

On Sunday 29th December 2019 we are holding a Bourne Valley Team Service at 10.00am in St Mary’s church Winterbourne Gunner. Everyone is welcome to join us in this beautiful 12th Century church, just off the main road, close to Policeman’s Corner. There will be no service at St Michael & All Angels that day. On Sunday 12th January 2020 Anglicans and Methodists combine for the annual Covenant Service at BV Methodist Church in Winterbourne Dauntsey; do join us at 10.00am for this celebration of unity and re-commitment. There will be no Anglican church services in the Winterbournes that day.